Pre-, on- and post-column derivatization in capillary electrophoresis

Dopamine-supported HPLC post-column derivatization to fluorescence: Simultaneous and sensitive detection of eight tea polyphenols

The effective differentiation and detection of multiple tea polyphenols are often challenging due to their subtle structural similarities. Although post-column derivatization HPLC strategies are commonly employed to distinguish multiple targets, the short physical distance between chromatographic column and detector limits reaction time, thereby reducing the derivatization efficiency. Dopamine (DA) reacts rapidly with resorcinol to form fluorescent azamonardine products, making fast fluorometric derivatization of tea polyphenols containing resorcinol motifs possible. In this study, a DA-driven rapid and post-column fluorescence derivatization method has been applied to sensitively detect eight tea polyphenols. This method is based on fluorescence derivatization and possesses low background interference, high sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility. Moreover, the practical application of this proposed fluorometric derivatization platform was further validated by simultaneous identification of multiple tea polyphenols in different tea samples. This work has great potential to become an alternative to the National Standard method for tea polyphenols determination.

A passive membrane system for on-line mass spectrometry reagent addition

RATIONALE

Post-separation addition of chemical modifiers in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is widely used for improving ionization sensitivity and selectivity. This is typically accomplished using a post-column T-junction, which can result in sample dilution and imperfect mixing. We present a passive semi-permeable hollow fiber membrane approach for the addition of chemical modifiers that avoids these issues.

METHODS

Model compounds were directly infused by flow injection to an electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometer after passing through a polydimethylsiloxane hollow fiber membrane. Ionization enhancement reagents were introduced into the flowing stream by membrane permeation from aqueous solutions. Ionization enhancement from volatile acids and bases in positive and negative electrospray ionization was evaluated to assess the feasibility of this approach.

RESULTS

The membrane-based apparatus resulted in relative ionization enhancement factors of up to 14×, depending upon the analyte, reagent, and ionization mode used. Ionization enhancement signal stability is reasonable (relative standard deviation of 5-7%) for extended periods from the same reagent solution, and minimal analyte dilution is observed. A proof-of-concept demonstration of the chromatographic "trifluoroacetic acid fix" strategy is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

An on-line mass spectrometry ionization reagent addition method with potential post-chromatography reagent addition applications was developed using a hollow fiber polydimethylsiloxane membrane. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional methods requiring additional hardware such as pumps and T-junctions that can result in sample dilution and imperfect reagent mixing.

Analytical strategies for the determination of amino acids: Past, present and future trends

This review describes the analytical methods that have been developed over the years to tackle the high polarity and non-chromophoric nature of amino acids (AAs). First, the historical methods are briefly presented, with a strong focus on the use of derivatization reagents to make AAs detectable with spectroscopic techniques (ultraviolet and fluorescence) and/or sufficiently retained in reversed phase liquid chromatography. Then, an overview of the current analytical strategies for achiral separation of AAs is provided, in which mass spectrometry (MS) becomes the most widely used detection mode in combination with innovative liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis conditions to detect AAs at very low concentration in complex matrixes. Finally, some future trends of AA analysis are provided in the last section of the review, including the use of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), multidimensional liquid chromatography and electrophoretic separations, hyphenation of ion exchange chromatography to mass spectrometry, and use of ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IM-MS). Various application examples will also be presented throughout the review to highlight the benefits and limitations of these different analytical approaches for AAs determination.

Sensitivity Enhancement for Direct Injection Capillary Electrophoresis to Determine Morphine in Human Serum via In-capillary Derivatization

Rapid and simple micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with in-capillary derivatization and fluorescence detection has been developed to determine morphine in human serum. The sample was introduced into a background electrolyte (BGE) containing potassium ferricyanide, whereas morphine was oxidized into highly fluorescent product, pseudomorphine. Different parameters for derivatization and subsequent separation were systematically investigated for the analysis of morphine in serum. Efficient performance of the developed MEKC system was carried out in a single run using BGE made up of 70 mM sodium tetraborate decahydrate (pH 10.5), 0.30 mM potassium ferrricyanide, 80 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate, and applied voltage of 9 kV. The combination of MEKC with in-capillary derivatization of morphine was successfully achieved with a high degree of sensitivity. The validation of the method showed good linearity between areas of morphine and the corresponding concentrations over the range of 5-5000 ng/mL. Excellent accuracy and precision were obtained at all concentration levels. The mean recoveries of morphine were ranging from 83.86 to 94.45%. The validated MEKC method successfully permitted determination of morphine in clinical samples after a single oral dose of controlled release morphine sulfate tablets.

Separation of Peptides by Capillary Electrophoresis

Peptides are an important class of analytes in chemistry, biochemistry, food chemistry, as well as medical and pharmaceutical sciences including biomarker analysis in peptidomics and proteomics. As a high-resolution technique, capillary electrophoresis (CE) is well suited for the analysis of polar compounds such as peptides. In addition, CE is orthogonal to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as both techniques are based on different physicochemical separation principles. For the successful development of peptide separations by CE, operational parameters including puffer pH, buffer concentration and buffer type, applied voltage, capillary dimensions, as well as background electrolyte additives such as detergents, ion-pairing reagents, cyclodextrins, (poly)amines, and soluble polymers have to be considered and optimized.

Derivatization in Capillary Electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis is a well-established separation technique in analytical research laboratories worldwide. Its interesting advantages make CE an efficient and potent alternative to other chromatographic techniques. However, it is also recognized that its main drawback is the relatively poor sensitivity when using optical detection. One way to overcome this limitation is to perform a derivatization reaction which is intended to provide the analyte more suitable analytical characteristics enabling a high sensitive detection. Based on the analytical step where the CE derivatization takes place, it can be classified as precapillary (before separation), in-capillary (during separation), or postcapillary (after separation). This chapter describes the application of four different derivatization protocols (in-capillary and precapillary modes) to carry out the achiral and chiral analysis of different compounds in food and biological samples with three different detection modes (UV, LIF, and MS).

Capillary liquid chromatography fraction collection and postcolumn reaction using segmented flow microfluidics

A challenge for capillary LC (cLC) is fraction collection and the manipulation of fractions from microscale columns. An emerging approach is the use of segmented flow or droplet technology to perform such tasks. In this work, a fraction collection and postcolumn reaction system based on segmented flow was developed for the gradient cLC of proteins. In the system, column effluent and immiscible oil are pumped into separate arms of a tee resulting in regular fractions of effluent segmented by oil. Fractions were generated at 1 Hz corresponding to 5 nL volumes. The fraction collection rate was high enough to generate over 30 fractions per peak and preserve chromatographic resolution achieved for a five-protein test mixture. The resulting fractions could be stored and subsequently derivatized for fluorescence detection by pumping them into a second tee where naphthalene dicarboxyaldehyde, a fluorogenic reagent, was pumped into a second arm and added to each fraction. Proteins were derivatized within the droplets enabling postcolumn fluorescence detection of the proteins. The experiments demonstrate that fraction collection from cLC by segmented flow can be extended to proteins. Further, they illustrate a potential workflow for protein analysis based on postcolumn derivatization for fluorescence detection.

Analysis of glycans derived from glycoconjugates by capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry

The high structural variation of glycan derived from glycoconjugates, which substantially increases with the molecular size of a protein, contributes to the complexity of glycosylation patterns commonly associated with glycoconjugates. In the case of glycoproteins, such variation originates from the multiple glycosylation sites of proteins and the number of glycan structures associated with each site (microheterogeneity). The ability to comprehensively characterize highly complex mixture of glycans has been analytically stimulating and challenging. Although the most powerful MS and MS/MS techniques are capable of providing a wealth of structural information, they are still not able to readily identify isomeric glycan structures without high-order MS/MS (MS(n) ). The analysis of isomeric glycan structures has been attained using several separation methods, including high-pH anion-exchange chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography and GC. However, CE and microfluidics CE (MCE) offer high separation efficiency and resolutions, allowing the separation of closely related glycan structures. Therefore, interfacing CE and MCE to MS is a powerful analytical approach, allowing potentially comprehensive and sensitive analysis of complex glycan samples. This review describes and discusses the utility of different CE and MCE approaches in the structural characterization of glycoproteins and the feasibility of interfacing these approaches to MS.

Microchip-based integration of cell immobilization, electrophoresis, post-column derivatization, and fluorescence detection for monitoring the release of dopamine from PC 12 cells

In this paper, we describe the fabrication and evaluation of a multilayer microchip device that can be used to quantitatively measure the amount of catecholamines released from PC 12 cells immobilized within the same device. This approach allows immobilized cells to be stimulated on-chip and, through rapid actuation of integrated microvalves, the products released from the cells are repeatedly injected into the electrophoresis portion of the microchip, where the analytes are separated based upon mass and charge and detected through post-column derivatization and fluorescence detection. Following optimization of the post-column derivatization detection scheme (using naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde and 2-beta-mercaptoethanol), off-chip cell stimulation experiments were performed to demonstrate the ability of this device to detect dopamine from a population of PC 12 cells. The final 3-dimensional device that integrates an immobilized PC 12 cell reactor with the bilayer continuous flow sampling/electrophoresis microchip was used to continuously monitor the on-chip stimulated release of dopamine from PC 12 cells. Similar dopamine release was seen when stimulating on-chip versus off-chip yet the on-chip immobilization studies could be carried out with 500 times fewer cells in a much reduced volume. While this paper is focused on PC 12 cells and neurotransmitter analysis, the final device is a general analytical tool that is amenable to the immobilization of a variety of cell lines and analysis of various released analytes by electrophoretic means.

Separation of peptides by capillary electrophoresis

Peptides are an important class of analytes in chemistry, biochemistry, and food chemistry as well as medical and pharmaceutical sciences. As a high-resolution technique, capillary electrophoresis (CE) is well suited for the analysis of polar compounds such as peptides. In addition, CE is orthogonal to high-performance liquid chromatography, as both techniques are based on different physico-chemical separation principles. For the successful development of peptide separations by CE, operational parameters including buffer pH, buffer concentration and buffer type, applied voltage, and capillary dimensions, as well as background electrolyte additives such as detergents, ion-pairing reagents, cyclodextrins, (poly)amines, soluble polymers, etc. must be considered and optimized.

Synthetic pores with reactive signal amplifiers as artificial tongues

The sensation of taste is mediated by activation or deactivation of transmembrane pores. Artificial stimulus-responsive pores are enormously appealing as sensor components because changes in their activity are readily detectable in many different ways. However, the detection of multiple components in complex matrices (such as foods) with one pore sensor has so far remained elusive because the specificity necessary for sensing a target compound in complex mixtures is incompatible with the broad applicability needed for the detection of multiple components. Here, we present synthetic pores that, like our tongues, can sense flavours in food and in addition make them visibly detectable. Differential sensing and pattern recognition are solutions based on empirical and biomimetic approaches. They have been explored with synthetic receptor arrays and electronic tongues. In contrast, our approach is non-empirical as it exploits reactive amplifiers that covalently capture elusive analytes after enzymatic signal generation and drag them into synthetic pores for blockage. Reactive amplification proved to be highly sensitive and adaptable to various analytes and pores. Moreover, it can be combined with reactive filtration for minimizing interference. The system was tested on real food samples for detection of sucrose, lactose, lactate, acetate, citrate and glutamate to demonstrate the feasibility of these synthetic pores as universal sensors.

Design, characterization, and utilization of a fast fluorescence derivatization reaction utilizingo-phthaldialdehyde coupled with fluorescent thiols

We have developed a chemical derivatization scheme for primary amines that couples the fast kinetic properties of o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) with the photophysical properties of visible, high quantum yield, fluorescent dyes. In this reaction, OPA is used as a cross-linking reagent in the labeling reaction of primary amines in the presence of a fluorescent thiol, 5-((2-(and-3)-S-(acetylmercapto)succinoyl)amino)fluorescein (SAMSA fluorescein), thereby incorporating fluorescein (epsilon = 78 000 M(-1), quantum yield of 0.98) into the isoindole product. Detection is based on excitation and emission of the incorporated fluorescein using the 488 nm laser line of an Ar(+) laser rather than the UV-excited isoindole, thereby eliminating the UV light sources for detection. Using this method, we have quantitatively labeled biologically important primary amines in less than 10 s. Detection limits for analysis of glutamate, glycine, GABA, and taurine were less than 2 nM. We present the characterization of OPA/SAMSA-F reaction and the potential utility of the derivatization reaction for dynamic chemical monitoring of biologically relevant analytes using CE.

In-capillary derivatization and laser-induced fluorescence detection for the analysis of organophosphorus pesticides by micellar electrokinetic chromatography

We developed a rapid and sensitive method using in-capillary derivatization and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection for the fully automated analysis of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), including glufosinate, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and glyphosate by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). The potential of 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F) as in-capillary derivatization reagent is described for the first time. The unique feature of this MEKC method is the capillary being used as a small reaction chamber. In in-capillary derivatization, the sample and reagent solutions were injected directly into the capillary by tandem mode, followed by an electrokinetic step to enhance the mixing efficiency of analytes and reagent plugs in accordance with their different electrophoretic mobilities. Standing a specified time for reaction, the derivatives were then immediately separated and determined. Careful optimization of the derivatization and separation conditions allowed the determination of glufosinate, AMPA and glyphosate with detection limits of 2.8, 3.6 and 32.2 ng/mL, respectively. These detection limits were comparable to those of 1.4, 1.9 and 23.8 ng/mL obtained from conventional pre-capillary derivatization. Furthermore, repeatability better than 0.40% for migration time and 3.4% for peak area, as well as shorter migration time, was obtained. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of spiked river water sample with satisfactory results.

Fluorescent detection of peptides and amino acids for capillary electrophoresis via on-line derivatization with 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole

An in-capillary derivatization of amino acids and peptides with 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F) was developed for their subsequent capillary electrophoretic analysis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (lambda (ex)=488 nm). The in-capillary derivatization was achieved in zone-passing mode by introducing successive plugs of sample and NBD-F into a fused silica capillary previously equilibrated with an alkaline borate buffer. To prevent NBD-F hydrolysis and to achieve a reliable derivatization, NBD-F was prepared daily in absolute ethanol and a plug of absolute ethanol was introduced between the sample and NBD-F reagent plugs. Various parameters influencing the derivatization efficiency were investigated and the optimum conditions were as follows: background electrolyte (BGE), 20 mM borate buffer (pH 8.8); introduction time, 4 s for sample and 2 s for NBD-F; molar ratio of NBD-F/sample, above 215; temperature, 45 degrees C for amino acids and 35 degrees C for peptides; applied voltage, +15 kV. The validation of the in-capillary derivatization method under optimal conditions showed a good linearity between the heights of the derivative peaks and the concentrations of the amino acids. The intra-day relative standard deviations of the migration times and the peak heights were less than 1.3% and 4.6%, respectively. The efficient derivatization and separation of a mixture of valine, alanine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid were achieved using this technique. Peptides such as buccaline and beta-protein fragment 1-42 could also be derivatized using the developed in-capillary derivatization procedure.

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic method for the separation and quantitation of multiple amino acids as naphthoxy derivatives in pharmaceutical formulations

The MEKC method is described for the quantitative analysis of 17 amino acids (AA) in pharmaceutical products. The method is based on simply derivatizing the AA with (2-naphthoxy)acetyl chloride under mild conditions. The resulting derivatives were separated by MEKC with borate buffer (35 mM; pH 9.50) including 150 mM SDS at the applied voltage of 25 kV in an uncoated capillary (effective length, 40 cm) and monitored by UV at 230 nm. The detection limits of the amino acid derivatives were in the range of 3.0-8.0 microM (S/N = 3, injection 5.0 s, 6 895 Pa). The precision (RSD) and accuracy (relative error) of the method for intra- and interday analyses of the analytes are all below 5.2%. The amino acid derivatives are stable at room temperature for 33 h studied and the molar absorptivity of the alanine derivative (used as a model) is stable over a wide pH range of 3.00-12.00. This is favorable for monitoring the derivatives in various pH by CE or LC. Application of the method to the analysis of multiple AA in a liquid injection formulation proved satisfactory.

Advances in capillary electrophoretically mediated microanalysis: An update

This review, as a continuation of an earlier report, gives an overview of recent developments, over the period from 2003 until now, in the use of capillary electrophoretic techniques for the in-line study of enzymatic reactions, derivatization, and chemical reactions. The article is divided into two parts: (i) in-line enzymatic reactions and (ii) in-line derivatization and chemical reactions. The first part introduces electrophoretically mediated microanalysis (EMMA) and discusses and illustrates the different modes of EMMA. A literature overview on enzymatic reactions is provided. The second part starts with an introduction of the procedures and the nomenclature used in the area of in-line derivatization and chemical reactions based on EMMA. Reported derivatization and chemical reaction procedures are discussed and summarized.

An ionizable chromophoric reagent for the analysis of primary amine-containing drugs by capillary electrophoresis

We found that ofloxacin acyl chloride is a potential chromophoric reagent for labeling amino analytes for capillary electrophoresis. Ofloxacin acyl chloride has a tertiary amino function in its structure and the derivatives from ofloxacin acyl chloride reacting with amino analytes can be ionized by an acid treatment and analyzed by simple capillary zone electrophoresis. Ofloxacin acyl chloride was used to derivatize model analytes (without chromophore) of amantadine (amino drug), tranexamic acid (non-protein amino carboxylic acid), glycine, and methionine (protein amino acids). The resulting derivatives were analyzed by capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection (300 nm). The detection limits of the analytes studied were in the range of 1.0-2.5 microM (S/N = 3, injection 3 s). The precision (relative standard deviation) and accuracy (relative error) of the method for intra- and inter-day analyses of the analytes were respectively below 4.5% and 3.9%. Application of the method to the analysis of tranexamic acid in plasma proved feasible.

In-capillary derivatization approach applied to the analysis of insulin by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

An in-capillary derivatization procedure of insulin for its subsequent capillary electrophoretic analysis (with laser-induced fluorescence detection) was developed. The in-capillary derivatization performed using the 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) in a borate buffer pH 8.9, was achieved by successive introduction of plugs of sample and AQC reagent followed by application of a voltage (30 kV). Derivatization reaction results from the differential transport velocities that permit the distinct zones to penetrate each other under the applied field. Reagent/sample molar ratio (Rm) and plug lengths ratio were shown to have an influence on the efficiency of the derivatization reaction. A single peak could be obtained with a high reagent/sample molar ratio (Rm > or = 68). The tagged derivative peak intensity and efficiency were improved when reagent solution time injection was at least twice higher than that of insulin sample. The validation of the method showed a good linearity between the corrected area of the derivative peak and insulin concentrations. The relative standard deviations of the migration times and the corrected areas obtained for the tagged derivative were 2.3 and 4.6%, respectively. An efficient derivatization and separation of a mixture of insulin and two glycated forms of insulin was obtained using the technique.

Luce NN, Rusin O, Wong D, Strongin RM. Postcolumn HPLC detection of mono- and oligosaccharides with a chemosensor

Novel chromophoric compound 1 promotes the HPLC postcolumn detection of mono- and oligosaccharides. The detection of chromatographic peaks in the visible region for glucose, fructose, maltodextrins, sialic acid, and a ganglioside can be accomplished with a standard UV-vis detector. The use of selective, reversible binding agents in automated HPLC assays should allow for improved monitoring of specific analytes as well as material recovery. [structure: see text]

Recent progress in derivatization methods for LC and CE analysis

The derivatization procedure with a suitable fluorescence or chemiluminescence reagent is performed for the purpose of increasing the detection sensitivity and selectivity, in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and/or capillary electrophoresis (CE). In this article, recent derivatization methods and their applications to biosamples are described. In HPLC, femto mol order of mass detection limits are obtained by derivatization. Regarding the fluorescence reagents, the use of water-soluble reagents has been effective to avoid an undesired adsorption in the process of determination of peptides. In CE, the advantages of having extremely low mass detection limits (ranging from atto to yocto mol level) and requiring only a very short analysis time (less than a few minutes) are made possible by using laser-induced fluorescence or near infra-red detections.

Microscale nonreductive release of O-linked glycans for subsequent analysis through MALDI mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis

A new beta-elimination-based procedure has been devised for a microscale release of O-linked oligosaccharides from glycoproteins. Unlike the conventional Carlson degradation, which leads to formation of alditols, the procedure reported here renders the reducing end intact. Conversion of the liberated oligosaccharides to glycosylamines in ammonia medium is followed by the production of the reducing oligosaccharides through the addition of boric acid. The quantitatively generated oligosaccharides with the reducing end can subsequently be derivatized with a fluorophoric reagent for capillary electrophoresis or, alternatively, analyzed through MALDI mass spectrometry. The microscale version of these chemical steps permits us to investigate structurally O-linked oligosaccharides at very low levels.

Strategies for in-capillary derivatization of amino acids in capillary electrophoresis using 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate as a labeling reagent

This paper examines the potentiality of in-capillary derivatization for improving the sensitivity of the spectrophotometric detection of amino acids in capillary zone electrophoresis. 1,2-Naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate was selected as the labeling agent of amino acids. The underivatized sample and the reagent solution segments are injected by pressure into the capillary prior to applying the running voltage. The corresponding derivatization reaction occurs inside the capillary once the potential is applied, as it induces mixing of the sample with the reagent. Several introduction modes consisting of tandem or sandwich configuration have been evaluated. These techniques result in a straightforward and automated way of carrying out a derivatization. Furthermore, in-capillary procedures may become much more attractive than conventional pre-capillary derivatization in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. The optimum operation mode found consists of a sandwich system where the sample is injected in between two reagent segments. The method was applied to the determination of amino acids in feed samples. Results show a good concordance with those given by a standard amino acid analyzer.

Capillary electrophoretic analysis of proteins and peptides of biomedical and pharmacological interest

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an automated approach to electrokinetic separations that has had a deep impact in all fields of life sciences, including biomedical and biotechnological research and clinical and forensic practice. The present review highlights aspects of peptides and proteins separations, with particular emphasis on macromolecular analytes of biomedical interest. Among the various CE techniques available, a novel methodology is here illustrated consisting in separations in acidic, isoelectric buffers, which have the advantage of protonating the silica wall, thus minimizing interactions of proteinaceous material with the siliceous surface, while allowing delivery of high voltage gradients, due to their low conductivities. The review ends with applications of CE to the analysis of folding/unfolding/refolding/misfolding of proteins, a field which has deep implications in the biomedical arena, since it is connected to a host of disorders, such as prion protein diseases.

Electrically driven microseparation methods for pesticides and metabolites: VI. Surfactant-mediated electrokinetic capillary chromatography of aniline pesticidic metabolites derivatized with 9-fluoroenylmethyl chloroformate and their detection by laser-induced fluorescence

In this report, we describe a surfactant-mediated electrokinetic capillary chromatography (SM-EKC) system for the separation of 9-fluoroenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC)-derivatized anilines by capillary electrophoresis (CE). The SM-EKC system consisted of dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS)/acetonitrile mixtures and was suited for the CE separation of the relatively hydrophobic FMOC-aniline analytes and other neutral compounds, e.g. alkylphenyl ketones. While the organic modifier acetonitrile (ACN) allowed the solubilization of the hydrophobic solutes and maintained the DOSS surfactant in its monomeric form by inhibiting micellization, the DOSS surfactant associated with the FMOC anilines to a varying degree thus leading to their differential migration and separation. Under these conditions, the FMOC-anilines were readily detected at the 10(-6) M level by UV at 214 nm and at the 10(-8) M level by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) using a solid-state UV laser operating at 266 nm line as the excitation wavelength. The FMOC precolumn derivatization was also readily performed in lake water spiked with anilines at near the limit of detection (LOD) level. The lake water matrix showed no significant effects on the extent of derivatization at the LOD level as well as on the detection of the analytes due to the selectivity of the FMOC derivatization. The derivatization and detection of spiked lake water necessitated only the removal of microparticles by microfiltration prior to derivatization and detection.

Separation of free amino acids in human plasma by capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence: potential for emergency diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism

Free amino acids (AAs) in human plasma are derivatized with 3-(4-carboxybenzoyl)quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (CBQCA) and analyzed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. The labeling procedure is significantly improved over results reported previously. Derivatization can be completed in 40 min, with concentrations as low as 4 x 10(-8) M successfully labeled in favourable cases. Twenty-nine AAs (including 2 internal standards) are identified and can be reproducibly separated in 70 min. Migration time RSD values for 23 of these AAs were calculated and found in the range from 0.5 to 4%. The rapid derivatization procedure and the resolution obtained in the separation are sufficient for a semi-quantitative, emergency diagnosis of several inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Amino acid profiles for both normal donor plasma samples and plasma samples of patients suffering from phenylketonuria, tyrosinemia, maple syrup urinary disease, hyperornithinemia, and citrullinemia are studied.

Derivatization trends in capillary electrophoresis

This survey gives an overview of recent derivatization protocols, starting from 1996, in combination with capillary electrophoresis (CE). Derivatization is mainly used for enhancing the detection sensitivity of CE, especially in combination with laser-induced fluorescence. Derivatization procedures are classified in tables in pre-, on- and postcapillary arrangements and, more specifically, arranged into functional groups being derivatized. The amine and reducing ends of saccharides are reported most frequently, but examples are also given for derivatization of thiols, hydroxyl, carboxylic, and carbonyl groups, and inorganic ions. Other reasons for derivatization concern indirect chiral separations, enhancing electrospray characteristics, or incorporation of a suitable charge into the analytes. Special attention is paid to the increasing field of research using on-line precapillary derivatization with CE and microdialysis for in vivo monitoring of neurotransmitter concentrations. The on-capillary derivatization can be divided in several approaches, such as the at-inlet, zone-passing and throughout method. The postcapillary mode is represented by gap designs, and membrane reactors, but especially the combination of separation, derivatization and detection on a chip is a new emerging field of research. This review, which can be seen as a sequel to our earlier reported review covering the years 1991-1995, gives an impression of current derivatization applications and highlights new developments in this field.

Determination of immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone in serum and urine by on-line immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry

The need for urgent diagnoses has propelled the development of automated analyses that can be performed in a short time at reasonable cost. One such method is immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis. This emerging hybrid technology employs two powerful techniques coupled on-line for the direct and rapid determination of analytes present in biological fluids. The first technique, immunoaffinity, is used for the selective extraction of a molecule present in a complex matrix, utilizing a microscale-format chamber affinity device. An analyte (affinity target) present in serum or urine is captured by an immobilized molecular recognition antibody molecule (affinity ligand) bound to a solid support constituent (glass beads or an appropriate porous structure) of a microchamber affinity device. The second technique, capillary electrophoresis, is used for the high-resolution analytical separation of the purified and concentrated affinity target material after elution from the microchamber affinity device. In this work, immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis was developed for the identification and characterization of a single constituent of a complex matrix. Immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone was determined in serum and urine specimens derived from a normal individual and from a patient suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Furthermore, the on-line immuno-separation system was coupled in tandem to mass spectrometry to obtain molecular mass information of the affinity isolated and CE separated neuropeptide. This hybrid immuno-analytical technology is simple, rapid, selective and sensitive. In addition, an attempt was also made to characterize other urinary constituents by CE-MS that may lead to marker activity in the urine of the diseased subject. The hyphenation of analytical techniques has proved valuable in enhancing their individual features. The future of bioanalysis using miniaturized affinity systems is discussed in this paper.

Separation and detection techniques for peptides and proteins in stability research and bioanalysis

In this paper, a brief overview of the most commonly used methods for the separation and analysis of peptides and proteins in stability and bioanalysis studies is presented. To investigate the physical stability of peptides and proteins, size-exclusion chromatography and electrophoretic separation techniques are being used, apart from several other methods. To determine the chemical stability of these compounds, separation systems are also important, with informative detection modes, such as various spectroscopic detections, electrochemical detection and mass spectrometric detection. For the bioanalysis of peptides, separation is the most important factor, while the detection must be done at the highest possible level of sensitivity.

Capillary electrophoresis of peptides

This article gives a review of the recent developments in capillary electrophoresis (CE) of peptides. New approaches to the theoretical description of electromigration behavior of peptides are described, and methodological aspects of CE separations of peptides such as selection of separation conditions, sample treatment, suppression of peptide adsorption to the capillary wall and specificities of CE separation modes are discussed. Progress in application of high performance detection schemes, namely laser-induced fluorescence and mass spectrometry, in peptide separations by CE is presented. Applications of different CE techniques, zone electrophoresis, isotachophoresis, isoelectric focusing, affinity electrophoresis, electrokinetic chromatography and electrochromatography to peptide analysis, preparation and physicochemical characterization are demonstrated.

Capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography of organic pollutants

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has a unique capability for separation of analytes of environmental concern, particularly those that are more polar and ionic, based on the complementary separation principle of electrophoresis. In the past few years, CE has been selectively used to analyze various classes of compounds having current or potential environmental relevance. This review outlines the current status of CE for the determination of environmental pollutants, based predominantly on research results published from the beginning of 1997 to early 1999. Covered are environmental pollutants of all types except pesticides and inorganics. Certain naturally produced toxins are also covered because of their significant impacts upon human health and the environment. CE methods, as with all methods, must be judged on their ability to provide approaches that are reliable, sensitive, selective, and rapid, while meeting "green chemistry" initiatives for pollution prevention. We also compare CE methods to benchmark environmental techniques involving gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Overview of capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography

This paper provides an overview on the current status of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The focus is largely on the current application areas of CE where routine methods are now in place. These application areas include the analysis of DNA, clinical and forensic samples, carbohydrates, inorganic anions and metal ions, pharmaceuticals, enantiomeric species and proteins and peptides. More specific areas such the determination of physical properties, microchip CE and instrumentation developments are also covered. The application, advantages and limitations of CEC are covered. Recent review articles and textbooks are frequently cited to provide readers with a source of information regarding pioneering work and theoretical treatments.

Capillary electrophoresis as a versatile tool for the bioanalysis of drugs--a review

This review article presents an overview of current research on the use of capillary electrophoretic techniques for the analysis of drugs in biological matrices. The principles of capillary electrophoresis and its various separation and detection modes are briefly discussed. Sample pretreatment methods which have been used for clean-up and concentration are discussed. Finally, an extensive overview of bioanalytical applications is presented. The bioanalyses of more than 200 drugs have been summarised, including the applied sample pretreatment methods and the achieved detection limits.